Special Dialogue

We were honored to host Ambassador Piotr Ostaszewski, the distinguished Polish Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, for a thought-provoking lecture titled "Genocide in the Service of Ideology" at Yonsei University on 5th April 2024. His insightful discourse delved into the complex intersection of ideology and genocide, shedding light on the challenges in defining and addressing genocide and introducing pertinent historical perspectives and case studies.

During the lecture, Ambassador Ostaszewski delved into the intricate nuances of genocide, emphasizing the importance of understanding its manifestations through a historical and modern lens. He navigated through the complexities of genocide definitions, exploring how international law and UN conventions have shaped our understanding and response to such atrocities. Furthermore, his analysis of ideological genocides, ranging from the French Revolution and Nazism to the Khmer Rouge regime, provided invaluable insights into the mechanisms through which ideology can be wielded to justify mass violence. One important take-way: Governments often possess the knowledge necessary to address human rights issues, including genocides, yet frequently lack the political will to take decisive action.

As we reflect on Ambassador Ostaszewski's lecture, we are reminded of the critical role that education and advocacy play in preventing future atrocities and promoting human rights. By engaging in discussions such as these, we deepen our understanding of the complexities surrounding genocide and reaffirm our commitment to fostering a more just and equitable world.

For those who couldn't attend the lecture, we posted a recording of the event on our YouTube channel. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this resource and continue the dialogue within your community.

Once again, we extend our sincere thanks to Ambassador Piotr Ostaszewski for his enlightening lecture and to all who participated in this important event.